Snipers & Observers Current Operations Looking Towards the Future MSG Carey

Who has snipers? Infantry (Army / Marine) –Bn Level – Section or Platoon –Brigade/Corps – Platoon / Company SOF(Army / Navy) –2 per Det –Rangers - Platoon + MP / SP / AFSF / CG –SRT / SWAT 2 – 3 Ea –Coast Guard Stryker / Land Warrior –Rebirth of Designated Marksman?

Who is Selected for Training? Above average intelligence Self-Disciplined Independent Physically Fit Mature Demonstrated talent Cleared by a DOD Psychiatrist Primary or Additional Duty

Training Snipers Seven sniper schools within DOD –3 Marine –3 RA –1 ARNG 2 to 8 weeks in length All provide training in the following: –Precision Shooting Skills –Observer Skills –Field-craft Techniques Sustainment Training

Operational Area Global Permissive Semi-Permissive Non-Permissive

Operational Employment Conventional –Two Man Team –Mutually Supported –Limited to LOS communications –C² Limitations –ROE Dependent –Short Duration SOF –Two to Four Man Team –May have support –Full Spectrum Communications –C² accessible –ROE Dependent –Long Duration

What Snipers Provide Commanders Combat / Real-Time information Reconnaissance Supporting Fires Precision Fire Threat Elimination Force Protection Rapid Coordination Increase to Sphere of Influence Decreased Risk of Collateral Damage

Current Capabilities Digital & Video Imagery (SOF) Precision Fire – M on Limited Exposure Targets –800M on Personnel Targets –1200M with Specialized Weapons Hard Target Interdiction –Soft Vehicles / Equipment M CAS / FO

Current Limitations Weather – Wind & Mirage Visibility Ammunition Weapon systems Equipment Compatibility Training Soldier Load Proper Fielding of New Equipment

Current and Near Term Projects MOD 12 MK 0/1 (SPR) –77gr Match BTHP

Current and Near Term Projects (Cont.) MOD 11 MK 2 –AA11 & Subsonic 7.62

Current and Near Term Projects (Cont.) XM107 Interim Fix – M82A3 –A606 Raufus

Current and Near Term Projects (Cont.) Universal Night Sight Kit –M3LR 3-10 Day Optic –McCann Rail (1913) –UNS

Future Weapon Needs / Ideas Retrofit SWS’s w/Suppressors Retrofit SWS’s w/Adjustable Stocks Tactical Sling Hard Target Rifle (XM107) Counter-Sniper / Long Range Rifle –Magnum.338 Lapua –Suppressed Hyper Velocity Sabot / Rail Gun –> 6000FPS –Monolithic Projectile, DU, AP/HE Gyroscopic Stabilization of Weapon System Ballistic Computer Integrated to Stock / Scope

Future Ammunition Needs / Ideas Monolithic / Mixed Metal Bullets Better Sub-Sonic Rounds Frangible Rounds Raufus Type Round (.338 /.300) SRTA / Simunition Rounds IR / NVG Marker in Bullet Tail Labeling of Ammunition

Future Optics Needs Integrated Optics –Spotting Scope / LRF / Designator / Illuminator / Camera –Day Rifle Scope w/LRF / BC Link –Thermal Rifle Sight with LRF / BC Link –All optics should be capable of integration of Data / Video and communications equipment –Low Light Digital Displays for scales –Tactile / Large threads & connectors –Common Batteries

Design / Development Considerations Solicit and get operator input throughout > Lethality / Range > / = Accuracy < Weight Ergonomic Modular / Integrated Systems Approach Simplicity Durability Versatility Ease of Sustainment / Maintenance Quality Control

Questions / Comments ?